MP Narbahadur Bista Objects to Hasty Chief Justice Hearing

Kathmandu. Nepali Communist Party MP Narbahadur Bista has expressed serious objection to the excessive haste in the parliamentary hearing process for the proposed Chief Justice. Speaking at the parliamentary hearing committee meeting on Tuesday, he expressed dissatisfaction that the decision-making process was advanced without giving members adequate time for study.

MP Bista questioned the committee's schedule and working style, stating that there was a mismatch between the 63-page action plan given for study and the hearing time. In the committee meeting, he complained that the schedule was so busy that members did not even have time to eat or take a normal break. He argued that decisions were being rushed without regard for the dignity and seriousness of the parliamentary hearing. MP Bista commented that although the committee is named 'Hearing Committee', in practice it seems to be working without listening to anything.nbsp;

He said, 'We get news for the meeting at 8 am, the meeting starts from 9:30 am, and they say the hearing will be at 3 pm. How can a 63-page document be studied in such a short time? If MPs are not given time to use their own discretion, then just announce the appointment directly. If there is no discussion and no listening, then the name of this committee can be changed to 'Approval Committee'. If reports are distributed, put in bags, and approved, why is the drama of hearing needed?'

Emphasizing that adequate discussion and study are necessary for sensitive issues like appointments to the Supreme Court, he clarified that being new does not mean disregarding established procedures and seriousness. Recalling some controversial decisions and procedures of the past, he also urged that parliamentary committees should not be made mere rubber stamps.nbsp;